Lefkowitz: Preludes & Fugues [CD]

The two books of David S. Lefkowitz's Preludes and Fugues for Piano were performed by a team of four pianists, a cantor, and the composer himself. Lefkowitz asks: "What does it mean to write a fugue in a post-tonal world, in which "major" and "minor" scales have been left behind? 12 of the 13 preludes and fugues in my first book are based on newly-invented scales." Lefkowitz's second book goes even further, using the rich possibilities of a prepared piano, vocal sounds and a finale for two pianos. Lefkowitz's huge musical palate is near-Mahlerian in this challenging and rewarding cycle that spans nearly three hours.